William Reuben Witcher, Jr

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1782, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Residence:
23 slaves

William married Mary Polly Dalton on 1 Apr 1782 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Mary (daughter of Robert Dalton and Mary Key) was born in 1764 in , Albemarle, Virginia, USA; died on 29 Sep 1852 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1840, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

John married Judith Edwards on 16 Jun 1806 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Judith (daughter of Daniel Coleman Edwards, Sr and Mary Polly Allen) was born in 1784 in , Henry, Virginia, USA; died on 17 Nov 1862 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1840, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1866, , , Virginia, USA

Notes:

Apparently word got out about Witcher's plan. One of the Clement brothers filed his will prior to the meeting at Dickenson's Store.

Will of Ralph Alexander CLEMENT, dated 13 Sep 1859
Pittsylvania County, VA, Will Book 3, page 340

Being about to go to attend to the taking of Depositions on the part of my Brother Jas. R. Clement where I have been apprised the other party intends to bring on a difficulty in which death may occur I hereby give and bequeath to my wife E. A. Clement during her life or widowhood all my property real & personal remainder to my daughter M. W. Clement with the right of making such advancements & provisions for my said daughter as my Said wife shall think proper. Should my said daughter die before she attains the age of 21 years my said wife surviving I give and bequeath all my slaves to my wife absolutely. My land I wish to go back to my nearest of Kin on my Father's side. Should my wife marry whilst my said daughter lives I wish her to own a third of my estate for life. remainder to my daughter. Given under my hand this 13 of September 1859.
R. A.Clement (Seal)


Murdered his granddaughter's husband.

Victoria Smith, wife of Samuel Southard Berger; Daughter of Albert and Mary Ann Witcher Smith; widow of James Reid Clement who was killed in the Witcher-Clement feud on February 26, 1860, Dickenson Store, Henry County, Virginia, by Victoria's grandfather Captain Vincent Witcher.

The Tragedy in Henry County Virginia

The usually quiet and law abiding people of the county of Henry have been intensley excited for the past three or four days in consequence of a terrible tragedy - or rather triple tragedy - that was enacted in their midst on Saturday last. The particulars reached us last evening through a source entirely reliable. the details, although not as full as we shall doubtless be enabled to give at an early day, are sufficient to cause a thrill of horror at their mere recital.

It appears, according to the version given us, that some years since, a granddaughter of the venerable and talented Vincent Witcher, Esq., of Pittsylvania County, married a gentlemen from the adjoining county of Henry, whose name was Clemmens. His Christian name we have been unable to ascertain. The maiden name of Mr. Witcher's grandaughter was (Victoria C.) Smith. The parties lived happily together until about eighteen months since, when upon the most unfounded suspicions, as we have been informed, Mr. Clemmons desired a separation from his wife, and immediately instituted proceedings for divorce, at the same time impeaching her honor as the grounds for his course. (Comment: She had a baby girl in c. 1858)

Last Saturday was set apart for the taking of depositions, and the parties met at a magisterial precinct in Henry county (Dickensons Store). Mr. Witcher appeared to defend the suit and protect the honor of his granddaughter.

The taking of the depositions progressed, and after the plaintiff had finished with a witness, Mr. Witcher asked a question, which greatly exasperated the husband, Mr. (James Reid Clement) Clemmens. He immediately rose, drawing a pistol at the same time, and fired at Mr. Witcher. Mr. Witcher, it seems, also rose and drew a pistol from his pocket and as the ball of his antagonist grazed around the abdomen, he fired, striking Clemmens in the forehead and killing him instantly.

A nephew of Mr. Witcher (Samuel Swanson), and a Mr. Smith (John Anthony Smith), brother of Mrs. Clemmens hearing the firing rushed into the room. A brother of Mr. Clemmens (Charles Johnson Clement), who had also been attracted by the pistol reports, fired at a nephew (Samuel Swanson) of Mr. Witcher, the ball taking effect and producing, it is feared, a fatal wound. Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr. Vincent Witcher again fired, striking Clemmens No. 2, and killing him instantly.

At this stage of the sanguinary affair, Mr. Smith, a brother of Mrs. Clemmens drew a Bowie knife, but had scarcely unsheathed the blade when he was fired upon by a second brother of Clemmens (Ralph Alexander Clement), the ball taking effect in the shoulder and producing a painful wound. Infuriated by his wound, Mr. Smith rushed upon his antagonist, and with one powerful thrust of the knife completely disemboweled Clemmens No. 3, the unfortunate man falling dead on the spot.

Three of the parties dead, and the other three all wounded, the horrible tragedy here ended.

Vincent Witcher, Esq., the chief actor in this truly terrible affair, is widely known throughout Virginia. He served for many years in the lower House of Legislature, and subsequently represented his district in the State Senate with signal ability. He is a prominent member of the Whig Party, and his name has been repeatedly mentioned in connexion with the office of Governor of the Commonwealth. He succeeded Whitnall F. Tunstall, upon the death of that gentleman, as President of the Richmond and Danville Railroad. After two years service he resigned the presidency of the railroad, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession - that of a lawyer.

Our informant states that throughout this painful suit, which Mr. Witcher believes to have been instituted against an innocent granddaughter, he has acted with great forebearance, and the part he has been compelled finally to act will be none a source of deeper regret than himself. Of course the whole matter will undergo a judicial investigation, until which we forebear further comment.

The Lynchburg "Republican" of Wednesday says that Mr. Vincent Witcher and his grandson (John Anthony Smith) surrendered themselves to the authorities and were promptly acquitted, on the grounds of self-defense. -The Lorain Eagle March 15 1860

Vincent Witcher, Esq., Committed - Bail Refused - It is stated that the examination of Vincent Witcher, Esq., for the killing of the three brothers, James, Ralph and Johnson Clement, at Dickenson's store, Franklin County, on Saturday, the 25th of February, has resulted in his committal to jail for trial. Bail was asked, but refused. Mr. John Anthony Smith, a grandson, and Mr. (William)Addison Witcher, son of Mr. Vincent Witcher, who were likewise implicated, have been sent on for trial before an Examinig Court, which is to be held on Monday next, the 26th instant. - The North Carolina Standard; Wednesday, March 21, 1860

Acquittal of Capt. Vincent Wicher, et al. March 28, 1860

Raleigh Standard 28 March 1860 March 28, 1860
ACQUITTAL OF CAPTAIN VINCENT WICHER AND OTHERS
LYNCHBURG, VA. -- March 25 -- CAPT. VINCENT WICHER, ADDISON WITCHER, J. A.
SMITH and SAM'L SWANSON, tried for killing the MESSRS. CLEMENTS in Franklin
County, Va., were acquitted on Friday evening last.

THE WITCHER-CLEMENT SCANDAL

The year 1860 was eventful for the little world in which Franklin County citizens lived and moved. A single local occurrence supplied Franklinites with a matter for speculation and conversation far into the 20th century.

The occurrence was the killing of the three Clement brothers---James, William and Ralph---by Captain Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent Oliver Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher. Addison Witcher was the son of Vincent Witcher. John and Vincent Oliver Smith were his grandsons. Samuel Swanson was his son-in-law. The affray had its beginning in the marriage of James Clement and Victoria Smith, which was celebrated on March 13, 1858. The groom was one of the ten children of Dr. George W. Clement. Dr. Clement (b. 1786, m. 1811, d. 186?) was educated in Hampden-Sidney College and in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. His mother, Stella Smith, was the daughter of Major John Smith of Lewis Island. Their Franklin County home was called "Mountain View." Victoria Smith (b.1837) was the daughter of Albert G. Smith and a granddaughter of Captain Vincent Witcher. Both Clement and Smith families appeared to be pleased with the marriage, though it was brought out in the court proceedings following the killings, that the Smith family regarded the Clement family as of inferior social station. Dr. Clement was especially proud of the beauty, wit and vivacity of his daughter-in-law. Her magnetic personality gained her many admirers. It is said that two of her old sweethearts, William P. Gilbert and Samuel D. Berger, continued their attentions even after her marriage. Though these affairs were shown to be of an innocent nature, the extremely jealous disposition of her husband led him to charge her with unfaithfulness and to humiliate her constantly. Fearing physical violence, Victoria Smith Clement fled from her husband on the might of August 24, 1859, and found refuge in the home of Sherwood Y. Shelton who lived about a mile distant. She left behind her six months old baby (Lelia Maud, b. March 1, 1859) so great was her terror at the moment of flight. This incident was made the basis of a divorce suit. Within three weeks from her flight, the taking of depositions was begun at Dickinson's Store, the same to be read as evidence in the suit then pending between John A. Smith, next friend of Victoria Smith Clement, plaintiff, against James R. Clement, defendant. The taking of depositions continued through the fall and winter, until Saturday, February 25, 1860, when the killing of the Clement brothers ended the suit. The depositions of S.Y. Shelton, Charles Powell, Willis Woody, G.T. Berger, W.P. Gilbert, George Samson and Edney Shelton had been taken. Elizabeth W. Bennett had been called to make her statement. Captain Vincent Witcher objected to having her qualify and make part of her statement on Saturday "and then being left in the hands of the opposite party to be picked until Monday morning." Captain Witcher made the statement that Miss Bennett had been brought into the case by the Clements and was said to be under their control. Ralph Clement at this point said that "Whoever said that told a damned lie." Whereupon Captain Witcher replied "You had better make your remarks more direct," rose from his chair, put his hand in his bosom, drew therefrom a "five shooter," stepped toward Ralph Clement and began firing. Addison Witcher was conducting the examination for the plaintiff. Robert Mitchell was the justice of the peace before whom the depositions were being taken. His testimony in the trial of Captain Witcher, as recorded in the volume of depositions published by Dr. C.W. Clement, Sr., in June 1860, is not very impressive. He appears to have forgotten everything that transpired in his courtroom.

The bodies of the three brothers were not only riddled with bullets, but were horribly gashed with knives. William Clement was disemboweled. James Clement had his throat slit from ear to ear. Ralph Clement lived nearly three hours despite his frightful wounds, and made a dying declaration before Justice Mitchell and Gresham Choice which was written down by Mr. Choice. It read as follows: "I never attempted to draw an arm. Addison Witcher caught me and held me around the waist and arms and told them to come and shoot me---a damned rascal. I was shot several times while in that fix, and he held me until I fell. Numbers of pistols were fired at me then." To this dying declaration, Magistrate Mitchell added these words: "Ralph A. Clement requested me to tell his father that he wanted him to make the deed to his wife and child according to his will." Robert N. Powell stated in his deposition that Addison Witcher held Ralph Clement while Vincent Oliver Smith shot him. George Finney stated in his deposition that John Anthony Smith shot and stabbed James Clement. It was stated by several deponents that both James and William Clement were reclining on a bed in the counting room when the firing began. It was thought by a few that some of the early firing came from the bed. The pistols of both James and William Clement had been fired until empty, but Ralph Clement, it was testified had not drawn gun or dirk.

The bodies of the three slain brothers were carried from Washington Dickinson's counting room, in a farm wagon, and buried in a single grave near the shaded driveway which led up to the old brick house which was their boyhood home.

The trial of Captain Vincent Witcher and his accomplices was begun almost immediately in general justices' court commonly called magistrates' court. Benjamin F. Cooper and Richard Parker took the depositions of the following: Jacob C. Mackenheimer, Gresham Choice, James Kemp, John C. Hutcherson, James M. Hutcherson, Madison D. Carter, Cluffee M. Brooks, George W. Finney, R.N. Powell, John B. Law, James M. Givson, Silas W. Evans, William C. Poindexter, Gilly Ann Huffman, John C. Law, William H. Hutcherson and Alfred L.H. Muse. Names appearing in the 200 page printed volume of depositions are: Abram Hancock, Tom Keen, Samuel D. Berger, James Rice, Shack Law, Waller Wright, Silas Dudley, Samuel G. Martox, Snead Adams, D.W. Blunt, Henry C. Mease, Mastin Williams, and John Baker, the last named being referred to as "an Englishman."

The defendants claimed self-defense as justification for their killings and the charges against them were dismissed. In June 1860, the depositions, which were being taken when the killings occurred, were published in book form. After many years of searching, 1 found a copy and have had the same before me in writing this story. Dr. G.W. Clement, Sr., states in his foreword "To the Public" that "There were five justices on the bench of the Examining Court. Three of whom were in favour of discharging the accused, and two for sending them on to further trial." The courts record of the ease shows the close of the case in the following words: "At a court continued and held for Franklin County at the Court House on the 23rd day of March 1860, for the examination of Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher charged with the felonies aforesaid by them committed in this, that they did on the 25th day of February 1860, in the Counting Boom of Dickinson's Store in said county willfully, deliberately and with premeditation murder and kill Ralph A. Clement, James R. Clement and William C. Clement.

"Present: Richard M. Taliaferro, Robert Bush, Noses C. Greer, Jonathan H. McNeil and Isaac Cannady, General Justices.

"The said Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher were again led to the bar in custody of the jailer of this court. And the court having examined divers witnesses as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as of prisoners at the bar, who were heard in their defense by Counsel, is of the opinion that there is not probable cause for charging the said prisoners with the offense aforesaid and doth order that they be acquitted and go thereof without day."

For a half century, the acquittal of these men was pointed to by Franklin County citizens as an illustration of how extreme may be the miscarriage of justice. The Masonic fraternity in which membership was held by both the killers and the killed, did not treat the matter so lightly. After the court had, on the 23rd of March, acquitted the five men of the killings committed less than a month before, Thomas S. Muse and John P, Lowell, members of the Masonic Lodge which bore the name of Vincent Witcher, chief actor in the killings, wrote of the "unfortunate death of Brothers R.A, and James R. Clement who cane to their death by the instrumentality of their brother in Masonry Vincent Witcher," and asked "that a committee of brethren be appointed whose duty it shall he to procure the evidence and make a report therefrom at our next regular communication." The reason given for "a thorough Masonic investigation," after the civil court had acquitted the killers, was stated in the following language: "The laws of a State are not the laws to try Brethren by who have offended against the Constitution and By laws of Masonry, that Civil law and Masonic law are as separate as Church and State." The Muse-Lowell document then asks, "Would the Civil law punish a Brother for violating the secrets and mysteries of Masonry or its Constitution?"

Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 was chartered December 15, 1852, and had 39 members in 1860. The report of this lodge to the Grand Lodge for the year 1860 shows the deaths of R.A. and James R. Clement. The membership of the lodge down to 1860 includes the name of Vincent Walker. The secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, James N. Hillman, in a letter to the author writes, "I find no reference to him (Vincent Witcher) subsequent to 1860 in the list of expulsions, suspensions or membership. Evidently, something happened to him, but it is not reported in the minutes from that lodge." There were no returns from Vincent Witcher Lodge, No. 87, to the Grand Lodge, according to the minutes of 1860 to 1866. These were war years, however, and that fact, rather than the fratricidal strife, may be the explanation of the interruption of the lodge's activity. Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 lost its charter in 1885 for mot having made a report in three years and in 1886 is marked extinct. The number it bore is now borne by Naomi Lodge in Norfolk, but the name of Vincent Witcher, who shed the blood of his brother Masons, has not been perpetuated by Masonry.

Residence:
7 slaves

Residence:
17 slaves

Residence:
25 slaves

Residence:
35 slaves

Residence:
53 slaves

Vincent married Nancy Newbill on 5 Mar 1810 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA. Nancy (daughter of Nathaniel Parker Newbill and Sarah Glenn) was born in 1786 in , Lunenburg, Virginia, USA; died in 1869 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Judieth
• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Judith married George Allen Edwards on 26 Dec 1810 in , Cumberland, Virginia, USA. George (son of Daniel Coleman Edwards, Sr and Mary Polly Allen) was born in 1793 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1863 in Rondo, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1840, , Lowndes, Alabama, USA

James married Nancy Graves Swanson on 28 Nov 1823 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Nancy (daughter of William Graves Swanson and Elizabeth Muse) was born on 30 Apr 1804 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 14 Jul 1841 in Hayneville, Lowndes, Alabama, USA; was buried in Hayneville, Lowndes, Alabama, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rachel married Norton T Ramsey on 30 May 1808 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA. Norton was born in 1780 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 19 Jan 1852 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1840, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1850, , Pettis, Missouri, USA
• Residence: 1860, Heaths Creek, Pettis, Missouri, USA

Ephriam married Nancy Young in 1820 in Gretna, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Nancy was born in 1803 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1869 in Sedalia, Pettis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lucy married John Benjamin Gilbert, Capt on 27 Jun 1827 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. John (son of Preston Gilbert and Frances Fannie Law) was born on 18 Apr 1804 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA; died in 1840 in Hams Prairie, Callaway, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Fannin, Texas, USA

William married Elizabeth W Gilbert on 15 Dec 1834 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Preston Gilbert and Frances Fannie Law) was born on 19 Jul 1813 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 7 Jul 1893 in Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Polly. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married J.B. Quarles [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Judith married Thomas Franklin Ramsey on 17 Oct 1853 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Thomas (son of Haley Sanford Ramsey and Esther Zeigler) was born on 4 Mar 1818 in Rock Creek, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 6 Jul 1888 in Rock Creek, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Robert Newton Powell on 28 Sep 1845 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Robert was born in 1824. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Sarah married Samuel Addison Swanson on 3 Oct 1831 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Samuel (son of William Graves Swanson and Elizabeth Muse) was born on 15 Apr 1809 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 5 Mar 1885 in Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Albert G Smith. Albert was born on 18 Jan 1806 in , Lunenburg, Virginia, USA; died on 12 May 1851 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Banister, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Nathaniel married Paulina W Adams on 21 Jan 1835 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Paulina was born in 1818 in , , Virginia, USA; died after 1880. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Family/Spouse: John Roy Cabell. John (son of Benjamin William Sheridan Cabell and Sarah Epes) was born on 24 Mar 1823 in Danville, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA; died on 27 Aug 1897 in Danville, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Catherine married James M Clement on 12 May 1835 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. James (son of Charles Clement and Nancy Hanby) was born on 10 Mar 1814 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 6 May 1860 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Vincent married Jane A Clement on 17 Jul 1842 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Jane was born in 1827 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, Weston, Platte, Missouri, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Residence Post Office: Chatham
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

William married Evelyn E Major on 27 Apr 1847 in , Pettis, Missouri, USA. Evelyn was born in 1827 in , , Kentucky, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married Christopher Davis on 18 Feb 1833 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Christopher (son of William Sanford Davis and Lucylucille Meade) was born on 10 Jul 1807 in Museville, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in Jul 1895 in Nevada, Vernon, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1840, , Franklin, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1850, , Franklin, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, Coopers, Franklin, Virginia, USA

John married Henrietta Parker on 19 Nov 1835 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Henrietta was born about 1814 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died after 18 Jul 1880 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Lowndes, Mississippi, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Lowndes, Mississippi, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Lowndes, Mississippi, USA

Family/Spouse: Mary Catherine Wright. Mary (daughter of John P Wright and Mary Witcher) was born in 1822 in , , Virginia, USA; died in 1908 in , , Mississippi, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, Danville, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA

Harriet married William Crider on 7 Oct 1863 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. William (son of John Crider and Catharine Croft) was born in 1811 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Charles L Powell. Charles was born about 1815 in , , Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, Danville, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Family/Spouse: Dollie Ann Graves. Dollie (daughter of Peyton Graves and Nancy B Hurt) was born on 25 Jun 1825 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 13 Oct 1917 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married David Crider on 27 Jan 1840. David (son of John Crider and Catharine Croft) was born in 1819 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 1 Mar 1887 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

George H Edwards
Residence:
Occupation:
Service Record:
Enlisted as a Private on 27 April 1861
Enlisted in Company H, 15th Infantry Regiment Virginia on 27 April 1861.
Deserted Company H, 15th Infantry Regiment Virginia on 17 May 1863

15th Infantry Regiment VA
Muster Date: 25 April 1862
Regiment Type: Infantry

Regimental History
Battles Fought:

Fought on 26 April 1862.
Fought on 28 April 1862 at Lee's Mills, VA.
Fought on 15 May 1862 at Yorktown, VA.
Fought on 28 June 1862 at Harrison's Landing, VA.
Fought on 01 July 1862 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 09 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 17 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 18 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 19 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 24 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 27 September 1862.
Fought on 27 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 28 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 29 September 1862 at Warrenton, VA.
Fought on 30 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD Hospl.
Fought on 01 October 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 19 October 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 15 February 1863.
Fought on 12 April 1863 at Suffolk, VA.
Fought on 16 April 1863 at Suffolk, VA.
Fought on 17 April 1863 at Suffolk, VA.

George married Anne Delilah Rorer on 24 Dec 1864 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Anne (daughter of Jack Rorer and Francis) was born on 26 Dec 1822 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Nathaniel T. Edwards
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, Sioux Valley, Union, South Dakota, USA; Post Office: Elk Point
• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA; Marital status: WidowerRelation to Head of House: Self

Nathaniel married Lucinda Frances Angle in 1857. Lucinda (daughter of Peter Angle and Nancy Ziegler) was born in 1831 in Rocky Mount, Franklin, Virginia, USA; died in Dec 1861 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nathaniel married Martha Jane Edwards in 1862. Martha was born on 21 Oct 1845 in Snow Creek, Franklin, Virginia, USA; died on 16 Oct 1870 in , Sioux, Iowa, USA; was buried in , Union, South Dakota, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Campbell, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Family/Spouse: Rebecca J Rorer. Rebecca (daughter of John David Rorer and Mary Frances Custard) was born on 31 Mar 1828 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 3 Oct 1892. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, Rondo, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, Rondo, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Military: 7 Jul 1861, Richmond, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA; Enlisted in 21st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Company I, the Turkey Cock Grays, by Captain W A Witcher.
• Military: 17 Dec 1862, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Virginia, USA; Discharged from Company I, 21st Virginia Infantry Regiment. Furnished a substitute.
• Residence: 1880, Rondo, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

21st Regiment, Virginia Infantry (Confederate)

21st Regiment, Virginia Infantry was organized in June and mustered into Confederate service in July, 1861, at Fredericksburg, Virginia. Most of the men were recruited in the city of Richmond and the counties of Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Cumberland, and Buckingham. Only 6 officers and 50 men surrendered. The field officers were Colonels William Gilham, John M Patton Jr, and William A Witcher; Lieutenant Colonels Richard H Cunningham Jr, and William P Moseley; and Majors William R Berkeley, Alfred D Kelly, John B Moseley, and Scott Shipp.

Companies in this Regiment with the Counties of Origin
Men often enlisted in a company recruited in the counties where they lived though not always. After many battles, companies might be combined because so many men were killed or wounded.
Company A (Red House Volunteers) - many men from Charlotte County
Company B ( Maryland Guard) - many men from Baltimore, Maryland
Company C (Oliver Grays) - many men from Mecklenburg County
Company D ( Cumberland Greys) - many men from Cumberland County
Company E ( Buckingham Leaches) - many men from Buckingham County See FHL book 975.5623 H2m for muster roll.
Company F (F Company) - many men from Richmond County
Company G (Brunswick Grays or Brunswick Guard) - many men from Brunswick County
Company H (Chalk Level Grays) - many men from Pittsylvania County
Company I (Turkey Cock Grays) - many men from Pittsylvania County
Company K ( Meherrin Greys) - many men from Prince Edward and Nottoway County


EDWARDS, Calahill M, age 37, widowed, occ Farmer, s/o George A and Judieth A Edwards to Drusey Jones, age 40, widowed, d/o Rebecca Griffith 9 November 1865. Married by W.S. McDowell.
EDWARDS, George H, age 46, single, occ Farmer, s/o George A and Judy Edwards to Ann Rorer, age 40, single, d/o Jack and Francis Rorer 24 December 1864. Married by Abner Anthony Jr.

Name Spouse Marriage Date County State
CRIDER, WILLIAM Jr. EDWARDS, HARRIETT C. 07 Oct 1863 Pittsylvania VA
EDWARDS, COLLOHILL M. JONES, DRUSEY [Mrs] 09 Nov 1865 Pittsylvania VA

21st Infantry Regiment VA
Calahill participated in the following battles:
*******************************************
Fought on 09 August 1861 at Kernstown, VA.
Fought on 16 September 1861 at Taggert's Valley.
Fought on 09 November 1861.
Fought on 03 January 1862 at Bath, Morgan Co, VA.
Fought on 03 January 1862 at Morgan County, WV.
Fought on 15 March 1862 at Luray, VA.
Fought on 23 March 1862 at Kernstown, VA.
Fought on 23 March 1862 at Winchester, VA.
Fought on 08 May 1862 at McDowell, VA.
Fought on 27 June 1862 at Gaines' Mill, VA.
Fought on 22 July 1862.
Fought on 09 August 1862 at Cedar Mountain, VA.
Fought on 20 August 1862.
Fought on 29 August 1862 at 2nd Manassas, VA.
Fought on 30 August 1862 at 2nd Manassas, VA.
Fought on 30 August 1862 at Groveton, VA.
Fought on 17 September 1862 at Antietam, MD.
Fought on 17 September 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 18 September 1862 at Antietam, MD.
Fought on 27 September 1862.
Fought on 13 December 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.
Fought on 14 December 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.

Buried in family plot on farm at Rondo, Virginia.

Residence:
5 slaves

Calahill married Elizabeth Ann Reynolds on 31 Oct 1851 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of James Mitchell Reynolds and Rebecca Giles) was born in 1828 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 8 Sep 1864 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Calahill married Drusey Griffith on 9 Nov 1865 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Drusey (daughter of Joseph Griffith and Sarah Prosser) was born in 1821 in , , Virginia, USA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital status: MarriedRelation to Head of House: Wife
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: MarriedRelation to Head: Wife

Family/Spouse: Charles S Powell. Charles was born on 21 Nov 1821 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 27 Mar 1897 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Almira married John Henry Reynolds, Sr in 1858. John (son of James Mitchell Reynolds and Rebecca Giles) was born in Apr 1832 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1934. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Lowndes, Alabama, USA
• Residence: 1855, , Lowndes, Alabama, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Lowndes, Alabama, USA
• Residence: 1866, , Lowndes, Alabama, USA
• Residence: 1870, Hayneville, Lowndes, Alabama, USA; Residence Post Office: Hayneville

William married Mary A Powell on 23 May 1858 in , Lowndes, Alabama, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Caroline Augusta Lambert on 8 Mar 1860 in , Lowndes, Alabama, USA. Caroline was born on 2 Nov 1833 in Bath, Sagadahoc, Maine, USA; died on 27 Aug 1918 in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Married: 29 Jul 1858, , Pettis, Missouri, USA

Family/Spouse: Ann Eliza Hefflin. Ann was born in Apr 1840 in , , Missouri, USA; died on 16 Feb 1911 in , Pettis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Family/Spouse: Judith Ann Davis. Judith (daughter of Christopher Davis and Martha Elizabeth Edwards) was born in 1839 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 5 Feb 1879 in , Pettis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, Museville, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1870, Honey Grove, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1880, , Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1900, Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1900, , Grayson, Texas, USA

Judieth married John Ziegler Ramsey on 17 Dec 1855 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. John (son of Haley Sanford Ramsey and Esther Zeigler) was born on 9 May 1828 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Mar 1906 in Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA; was buried in Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1880, , Washington, Tennessee, USA
• Residence: 1900, Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, , Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, Sherman, Grayson, Texas, USA

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Capt married Mildred Fannie Gilbert on 20 Sep 1868 in Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA. Mildred was born on 17 Feb 1844 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA; died on 20 Dec 1879 in , Grayson, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Capt married Mittie Ellen Ramsey on 20 Jan 1881 in Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA. Mittie (daughter of John Ziegler Ramsey and Judieth Edwards Gilbert) was born on 4 Dec 1858 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 5 Sep 1936 in Sherman, Grayson, Texas, USA; was buried in Bells, Grayson, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1880, , Burnet, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1900, , Williamson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, , Williamson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, Liberty Hill, Williamson, Texas, USA

Armistead married America Ann "maggie" Holland on 12 Aug 1869 in Bonham, Fannin, Texas, USA. America was born on 24 Apr 1852 in , Caldwell, Kentucky, USA; died on 20 Sep 1916 in Liberty Hill, Williamson, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Fannin, Texas, USA

Family/Spouse: Martin Craig. Martin was born in 1850; died on 6 Jun 1929. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Signorah married Willis McHenry Ferguson on 14 Mar 1878. Willis was born on 10 Oct 1853; died on 19 May 1922. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1910, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1920, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Cornelia married James Eldridge Doss on 13 Jan 1876. James was born in Feb 1854 in , , Virginia, USA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, , Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, , Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, , Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1930, , Grayson, Texas, USA

Lee married Ida Lee Watson on 19 Dec 1888 in Cherry Mount, Grayson, Texas, USA. Ida was born on 12 Dec 1870 in Cherry Mount, Grayson, Texas, USA; died on 5 Dec 1946 in Denison, Grayson, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Thomas married Ida Witcher on 20 Jan 1887. Ida was born in 1865 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1889 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1910, Denison, Grayson, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, Denison, Grayson, Texas, USA

Albert married Alice M Ferguson on 2 Dec 1891. Alice was born on 28 Oct 1873 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 6 Jun 1940 in Denison, Grayson, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: V.A.C. Reynolds
• Residence: 1870, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Residence Post Office: Chatham
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: MarriedRelation to Head: Wife

Family/Spouse: William Vincent Reynolds. William (son of James Mitchell Reynolds and Rebecca Giles) was born on 12 Jun 1829 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 28 Mar 1912 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Tragedy in Henry County Virginia
The usually quiet and law abiding people of the county of Henry have been intensley excited for the past three or four days in consequence of a terrible tragedy - or rather triple tragedy - that was enacted in their midst on Saturday last. The particulars reached us last evening through a source entirely reliable. the details, although not as full as we shall doubtless be enabled to give at an early day, are sufficient to cause a thrill of horror at their mere recital. It appears, according to the version given us, that some years since, a granddaughter of the venerable and talented Vincent Witcher, Esq., of Pittsylvania County, married a gentlemen from the adjoining county of Henry, whose name was Clemmens. His Christian name we have been unable to ascertain. The maiden name of Mr. Witcher's grandaughter was (Victoria C.) Smith. The parties lived happily together until about eighteen months since, when upon the most unfounded suspicions, as we have been informed, Mr. Clemmons desired a separation from his wife, and immediately instituted proceedings for divorce, at the same time impeaching her honor as the grounds for his course. (Comment: She had a baby girl in c. 1858)

Last Saturday was set apart for the taking of depositions, and the parties met at a magisterial precinct in Henry county (Dickensons Store). Mr. Witcher appeared to defend the suit and protect the honor of his granddaughter. The taking of the depositions progressed, and after the plaintiff had finished with a witness, Mr. Witcher asked a question, which greatly exasperated the husband, Mr. (James Reid Clement) Clemmens. He immediately rose, drawing a pistol at the same time, and fired at Mr. Witcher. Mr. Witcher, it seems, also rose and drew a pistol from his pocket and as the ball of his antagonist grazed around the abdomen, he fired, striking Clemmens in the forehead and killing him instantly. A nephew of Mr. Witcher (Samuel Swanson), and a Mr. Smith (John Anthony Smith), brother of Mrs. Clemmens hearing the firing rushed into the room. A brother of Mr. Clemmens (Charles Johnson Clement), who had also been attracted by the pistol reports, fired at a nephew (Samuel Swanson) of Mr. Witcher, the ball taking effect and producing, it is feared, a fatal wound. Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr. Vincent Witcher again fired, striking Clemmens No. 2, and killing him instantly. At this stage of the sanguinary affair, Mr. Smith, a brother of Mrs. Clemmens drew a Bowie knife, but had scarcely unsheathed the blade when he was fired upon by a second brother of Clemmens (Ralph Alexander Clement), the ball taking effect in the shoulder and producing a painful wound. Infuriated by his wound, Mr. Smith rushed upon his antagonist, and with one powerful thrust of the knife completely disemboweled Clemmens No. 3, the unfortunate man falling dead on the spot. Three of the parties dead, and the other three all wounded, the horrible tragedy here ended.

Vincent Witcher, Esq., the chief actor in this truly terrible affair, is widely known throughout Virginia. He served for many years in the lower House of Legislature, and subsequently represented his district in the State Senate with signal ability. He is a prominent member of the Whig Party, and his name has been repeatedly mentioned in connexion with the office of Governor of the Commonwealth. He succeeded Whitnall F. Tunstall, upon the death of that gentleman, as President of the Richmond and Danville Railroad. After two years service he resigned the presidency of the railroad, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession - that of a lawyer. Our informant states that throughout this painful suit, which Mr. Witcher believes to have been instituted against an innocent granddaughter, he has acted with great forebearance, and the part he has been compelled finally to act will be none a source of deeper regret than himself. Of course the whole matter will undergo a judicial investigation, until which we forebear further comment. The Lynchburg "Republican" of Wednesday says that Mr. Vincent Witcher and his grandson (John Anthony Smith) surrendered themselves to the authorities and were promptly acquitted, on the grounds of self-defense. -The Lorain Eagle March 15 1860

Vincent Witcher, Esq., Committed - Bail Refused - It is stated that the examination of Vincent Witcher, Esq., for the killing of the three brothers, James, Ralph and Johnson Clement, at Dickenson's store, Franklin County, on Saturday, the 25th of February, has resulted in his committal to jail for trial. Bail was asked, but refused. Mr. John Anthony Smith, a grandson, and Mr. (William)Addison Witcher, son of Mr. Vincent Witcher, who were likewise implicated, have been sent on for trial before an Examinig Court, which is to be held on Monday next, the 26th instant. - The North Carolina Standard; Wednesday, March 21, 1860

Acquittal of Capt. Vincent Wicher, et al. March 28, 1860
Raleigh Standard 28 March 1860 March 28, 1860
ACQUITTAL OF CAPTAIN VINCENT WICHER AND OTHERS
LYNCHBURG, VA. -- March 25 -- CAPT. VINCENT WICHER, ADDISON WITCHER, J. A.
SMITH and SAM'L SWANSON, tried for killing the MESSRS. CLEMENTS in Franklin
County, Va., were acquitted on Friday evening last.

THE WITCHER-CLEMENT SCANDAL
The year 1860 was eventful for the little world in which Franklin County citizens lived and moved. A single local occurrence supplied Franklinites with a matter for speculation and conversation far into the 20th century. The occurrence was the killing of the three Clement brothers---James, William and Ralph---by Captain Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent Oliver Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher. Addison Witcher was the son of Vincent Witcher. John and Vincent Oliver Smith were his grandsons. Samuel Swanson was his son-in-law. The affray had its beginning in the marriage of James Clement and Victoria Smith, which was celebrated on March 13, 1858. The groom was one of the ten children of Dr. George W. Clement. Dr. Clement (b. 1786, m. 1811, d. 186?) was educated in Hampden-Sidney College and in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. His mother, Stella Smith, was the daughter of Major John Smith of Lewis Island. Their Franklin County home was called "Mountain View." Victoria Smith (b.1837) was the daughter of Albert G. Smith and a granddaughter of Captain Vincent Witcher. Both Clement and Smith families appeared to be pleased with the marriage, though it was brought out in the court proceedings following the killings, that the Smith family regarded the Clement family as of inferior social station. Dr. Clement was especially proud of the beauty, wit and vivacity of his daughter-in-law. Her magnetic personality gained her many admirers. It is said that two of her old sweethearts, William P. Gilbert and Samuel D. Berger, continued their attentions even after her marriage. Though these affairs were shown to be of an innocent nature, the extremely jealous disposition of her husband led him to charge her with unfaithfulness and to humiliate her constantly. Fearing physical violence, Victoria Smith Clement fled from her husband on the might of August 24, 1859, and found refuge in the home of Sherwood Y. Shelton who lived about a mile distant. She left behind her six months old baby (Lelia Maud, b. March 1, 1859) so great was her terror at the moment of flight. This incident was made the basis of a divorce suit. Within three weeks from her flight, the taking of depositions was begun at Dickinson's Store, the same to be read as evidence in the suit then pending between John A. Smith, next friend of Victoria Smith Clement, plaintiff, against James R. Clement, defendant. The taking of depositions continued through the fall and winter, until Saturday, February 25, 1860, when the killing of the Clement brothers ended the suit. The depositions of S.Y. Shelton, Charles Powell, Willis Woody, G.T. Berger, W.P. Gilbert, George Samson and Edney Shelton had been taken. Elizabeth W. Bennett had been called to make her statement. Captain Vincent Witcher objected to having her qualify and make part of her statement on Saturday "and then being left in the hands of the opposite party to be picked until Monday morning." Captain Witcher made the statement that Miss Bennett had been brought into the case by the Clements and was said to be under their control. Ralph Clement at this point said that "Whoever said that told a damned lie." Whereupon Captain Witcher replied "You had better make your remarks more direct," rose from his chair, put his hand in his bosom, drew therefrom a "five shooter," stepped toward Ralph Clement and began firing. Addison Witcher was conducting the examination for the plaintiff. Robert Mitchell was the justice of the peace before whom the depositions were being taken. His testimony in the trial of Captain Witcher, as recorded in the volume of depositions published by Dr. C.W. Clement, Sr., in June 1860, is not very impressive. He appears to have forgotten everything that transpired in his courtroom.

The bodies of the three brothers were not only riddled with bullets, but were horribly gashed with knives. William Clement was disemboweled. James Clement had his throat slit from ear to ear. Ralph Clement lived nearly three hours despite his frightful wounds, and made a dying declaration before Justice Mitchell and Gresham Choice which was written down by Mr. Choice. It read as follows: "I never attempted to draw an arm. Addison Witcher caught me and held me around the waist and arms and told them to come and shoot me---a damned rascal. I was shot several times while in that fix, and he held me until I fell. Numbers of pistols were fired at me then." To this dying declaration, Magistrate Mitchell added these words: "Ralph A. Clement requested me to tell his father that he wanted him to make the deed to his wife and child according to his will." Robert N. Powell stated in his deposition that Addison Witcher held Ralph Clement while Vincent Oliver Smith shot him. George Finney stated in his deposition that John Anthony Smith shot and stabbed James Clement. It was stated by several deponents that both James and William Clement were reclining on a bed in the counting room when the firing began. It was thought by a few that some of the early firing came from the bed. The pistols of both James and William Clement had been fired until empty, but Ralph Clement, it was testified had not drawn gun or dirk. The bodies of the three slain brothers were carried from Washington Dickinson's counting room, in a farm wagon, and buried in a single grave near the shaded driveway which led up to the old brick house which was their boyhood home. The trial of Captain Vincent Witcher and his accomplices was begun almost immediately in general justices' court commonly called magistrates' court. Benjamin F. Cooper and Richard Parker took the depositions of the following: Jacob C. Mackenheimer, Gresham Choice, James Kemp, John C. Hutcherson, James M. Hutcherson, Madison D. Carter, Cluffee M. Brooks, George W. Finney, R.N. Powell, John B. Law, James M. Givson, Silas W. Evans, William C. Poindexter, Gilly Ann Huffman, John C. Law, William H. Hutcherson and Alfred L.H. Muse. Names appearing in the 200 page printed volume of depositions are: Abram Hancock, Tom Keen, Samuel D. Berger, James Rice, Shack Law, Waller Wright, Silas Dudley, Samuel G. Martox, Snead Adams, D.W. Blunt, Henry C. Mease, Mastin Williams, and John Baker, the last named being referred to as "an Englishman." The defendants claimed self-defense as justification for their killings and the charges against them were dismissed. In June 1860, the depositions, which were being taken when the killings occurred, were published in book form. After many years of searching, 1 found a copy and have had the same before me in writing this story. Dr. G.W. Clement, Sr., states in his foreword "To the Public" that "There were five justices on the bench of the Examining Court. Three of whom were in favour of discharging the accused, and two for sending them on to further trial." The courts record of the ease shows the close of the case in the following words: "At a court continued and held for Franklin County at the Court House on the 23rd day of March 1860, for the examination of Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher charged with the felonies aforesaid by them committed in this, that they did on the 25th day of February 1860, in the Counting Boom of Dickinson's Store in said county willfully, deliberately and with premeditation murder and kill Ralph A. Clement, James R. Clement and William C. Clement.

"Present: Richard M. Taliaferro, Robert Bush, Noses C. Greer, Jonathan H. McNeil and Isaac Cannady, General Justices.

"The said Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher were again led to the bar in custody of the jailer of this court. And the court having examined divers witnesses as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as of prisoners at the bar, who were heard in their defense by Counsel, is of the opinion that there is not probable cause for charging the said prisoners with the offense aforesaid and doth order that they be acquitted and go thereof without day."

For a half century, the acquittal of these men was pointed to by Franklin County citizens as an illustration of how extreme may be the miscarriage of justice. The Masonic fraternity in which membership was held by both the killers and the killed, did not treat the matter so lightly. After the court had, on the 23rd of March, acquitted the five men of the killings committed less than a month before, Thomas S. Muse and John P, Lowell, members of the Masonic Lodge which bore the name of Vincent Witcher, chief actor in the killings, wrote of the "unfortunate death of Brothers R.A, and James R. Clement who cane to their death by the instrumentality of their brother in Masonry Vincent Witcher," and asked "that a committee of brethren be appointed whose duty it shall he to procure the evidence and make a report therefrom at our next regular communication." The reason given for "a thorough Masonic investigation," after the civil court had acquitted the killers, was stated in the following language: "The laws of a State are not the laws to try Brethren by who have offended against the Constitution and By laws of Masonry, that Civil law and Masonic law are as separate as Church and State." The Muse-Lowell document then asks, "Would the Civil law punish a Brother for violating the secrets and mysteries of Masonry or its Constitution?"

Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 was chartered December 15, 1852, and had 39 members in 1860. The report of this lodge to the Grand Lodge for the year 1860 shows the deaths of R.A. and James R. Clement. The membership of the lodge down to 1860 includes the name of Vincent Walker. The secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, James N. Hillman, in a letter to the author writes, "I find no reference to him (Vincent Witcher) subsequent to 1860 in the list of expulsions, suspensions or membership. Evidently, something happened to him, but it is not reported in the minutes from that lodge." There were no returns from Vincent Witcher Lodge, No. 87, to the Grand Lodge, according to the minutes of 1860 to 1866. These were war years, however, and that fact, rather than the fratricidal strife, may be the explanation of the interruption of the lodge's activity. Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 lost its charter in 1885 for mot having made a report in three years and in 1886 is marked extinct. The number it bore is now borne by Naomi Lodge in Norfolk, but the name of Vincent Witcher, who shed the blood of his brother Masons, has not been perpetuated by Masonry.

Notes:

The Tragedy in Henry County Virginia
The usually quiet and law abiding people of the county of Henry have been intensley excited for the past three or four days in consequence of a terrible tragedy - or rather triple tragedy - that was enacted in their midst on Saturday last. The particulars reached us last evening through a source entirely reliable. the details, although not as full as we shall doubtless be enabled to give at an early day, are sufficient to cause a thrill of horror at their mere recital. It appears, according to the version given us, that some years since, a granddaughter of the venerable and talented Vincent Witcher, Esq., of Pittsylvania County, married a gentlemen from the adjoining county of Henry, whose name was Clemmens. His Christian name we have been unable to ascertain. The maiden name of Mr. Witcher's grandaughter was (Victoria C.) Smith. The parties lived happily together until about eighteen months since, when upon the most unfounded suspicions, as we have been informed, Mr. Clemmons desired a separation from his wife, and immediately instituted proceedings for divorce, at the same time impeaching her honor as the grounds for his course. (Comment: She had a baby girl in c. 1858)

Last Saturday was set apart for the taking of depositions, and the parties met at a magisterial precinct in Henry county (Dickensons Store). Mr. Witcher appeared to defend the suit and protect the honor of his granddaughter. The taking of the depositions progressed, and after the plaintiff had finished with a witness, Mr. Witcher asked a question, which greatly exasperated the husband, Mr. (James Reid Clement) Clemmens. He immediately rose, drawing a pistol at the same time, and fired at Mr. Witcher. Mr. Witcher, it seems, also rose and drew a pistol from his pocket and as the ball of his antagonist grazed around the abdomen, he fired, striking Clemmens in the forehead and killing him instantly. A nephew of Mr. Witcher (Samuel Swanson), and a Mr. Smith (John Anthony Smith), brother of Mrs. Clemmens hearing the firing rushed into the room. A brother of Mr. Clemmens (Charles Johnson Clement), who had also been attracted by the pistol reports, fired at a nephew (Samuel Swanson) of Mr. Witcher, the ball taking effect and producing, it is feared, a fatal wound. Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr. Vincent Witcher again fired, striking Clemmens No. 2, and killing him instantly. At this stage of the sanguinary affair, Mr. Smith, a brother of Mrs. Clemmens drew a Bowie knife, but had scarcely unsheathed the blade when he was fired upon by a second brother of Clemmens (Ralph Alexander Clement), the ball taking effect in the shoulder and producing a painful wound. Infuriated by his wound, Mr. Smith rushed upon his antagonist, and with one powerful thrust of the knife completely disemboweled Clemmens No. 3, the unfortunate man falling dead on the spot. Three of the parties dead, and the other three all wounded, the horrible tragedy here ended.

Vincent Witcher, Esq., the chief actor in this truly terrible affair, is widely known throughout Virginia. He served for many years in the lower House of Legislature, and subsequently represented his district in the State Senate with signal ability. He is a prominent member of the Whig Party, and his name has been repeatedly mentioned in connexion with the office of Governor of the Commonwealth. He succeeded Whitnall F. Tunstall, upon the death of that gentleman, as President of the Richmond and Danville Railroad. After two years service he resigned the presidency of the railroad, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession - that of a lawyer. Our informant states that throughout this painful suit, which Mr. Witcher believes to have been instituted against an innocent granddaughter, he has acted with great forebearance, and the part he has been compelled finally to act will be none a source of deeper regret than himself. Of course the whole matter will undergo a judicial investigation, until which we forebear further comment. The Lynchburg "Republican" of Wednesday says that Mr. Vincent Witcher and his grandson (John Anthony Smith) surrendered themselves to the authorities and were promptly acquitted, on the grounds of self-defense. -The Lorain Eagle March 15 1860

Vincent Witcher, Esq., Committed - Bail Refused - It is stated that the examination of Vincent Witcher, Esq., for the killing of the three brothers, James, Ralph and Johnson Clement, at Dickenson's store, Franklin County, on Saturday, the 25th of February, has resulted in his committal to jail for trial. Bail was asked, but refused. Mr. John Anthony Smith, a grandson, and Mr. (William)Addison Witcher, son of Mr. Vincent Witcher, who were likewise implicated, have been sent on for trial before an Examinig Court, which is to be held on Monday next, the 26th instant. - The North Carolina Standard; Wednesday, March 21, 1860

Acquittal of Capt. Vincent Wicher, et al. March 28, 1860
Raleigh Standard 28 March 1860 March 28, 1860
ACQUITTAL OF CAPTAIN VINCENT WICHER AND OTHERS
LYNCHBURG, VA. -- March 25 -- CAPT. VINCENT WICHER, ADDISON WITCHER, J. A.
SMITH and SAM'L SWANSON, tried for killing the MESSRS. CLEMENTS in Franklin
County, Va., were acquitted on Friday evening last.

THE WITCHER-CLEMENT SCANDAL
The year 1860 was eventful for the little world in which Franklin County citizens lived and moved. A single local occurrence supplied Franklinites with a matter for speculation and conversation far into the 20th century. The occurrence was the killing of the three Clement brothers---James, William and Ralph---by Captain Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent Oliver Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher. Addison Witcher was the son of Vincent Witcher. John and Vincent Oliver Smith were his grandsons. Samuel Swanson was his son-in-law. The affray had its beginning in the marriage of James Clement and Victoria Smith, which was celebrated on March 13, 1858. The groom was one of the ten children of Dr. George W. Clement. Dr. Clement (b. 1786, m. 1811, d. 186?) was educated in Hampden-Sidney College and in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. His mother, Stella Smith, was the daughter of Major John Smith of Lewis Island. Their Franklin County home was called "Mountain View." Victoria Smith (b.1837) was the daughter of Albert G. Smith and a granddaughter of Captain Vincent Witcher. Both Clement and Smith families appeared to be pleased with the marriage, though it was brought out in the court proceedings following the killings, that the Smith family regarded the Clement family as of inferior social station. Dr. Clement was especially proud of the beauty, wit and vivacity of his daughter-in-law. Her magnetic personality gained her many admirers. It is said that two of her old sweethearts, William P. Gilbert and Samuel D. Berger, continued their attentions even after her marriage. Though these affairs were shown to be of an innocent nature, the extremely jealous disposition of her husband led him to charge her with unfaithfulness and to humiliate her constantly. Fearing physical violence, Victoria Smith Clement fled from her husband on the might of August 24, 1859, and found refuge in the home of Sherwood Y. Shelton who lived about a mile distant. She left behind her six months old baby (Lelia Maud, b. March 1, 1859) so great was her terror at the moment of flight. This incident was made the basis of a divorce suit. Within three weeks from her flight, the taking of depositions was begun at Dickinson's Store, the same to be read as evidence in the suit then pending between John A. Smith, next friend of Victoria Smith Clement, plaintiff, against James R. Clement, defendant. The taking of depositions continued through the fall and winter, until Saturday, February 25, 1860, when the killing of the Clement brothers ended the suit. The depositions of S.Y. Shelton, Charles Powell, Willis Woody, G.T. Berger, W.P. Gilbert, George Samson and Edney Shelton had been taken. Elizabeth W. Bennett had been called to make her statement. Captain Vincent Witcher objected to having her qualify and make part of her statement on Saturday "and then being left in the hands of the opposite party to be picked until Monday morning." Captain Witcher made the statement that Miss Bennett had been brought into the case by the Clements and was said to be under their control. Ralph Clement at this point said that "Whoever said that told a damned lie." Whereupon Captain Witcher replied "You had better make your remarks more direct," rose from his chair, put his hand in his bosom, drew therefrom a "five shooter," stepped toward Ralph Clement and began firing. Addison Witcher was conducting the examination for the plaintiff. Robert Mitchell was the justice of the peace before whom the depositions were being taken. His testimony in the trial of Captain Witcher, as recorded in the volume of depositions published by Dr. C.W. Clement, Sr., in June 1860, is not very impressive. He appears to have forgotten everything that transpired in his courtroom.

The bodies of the three brothers were not only riddled with bullets, but were horribly gashed with knives. William Clement was disemboweled. James Clement had his throat slit from ear to ear. Ralph Clement lived nearly three hours despite his frightful wounds, and made a dying declaration before Justice Mitchell and Gresham Choice which was written down by Mr. Choice. It read as follows: "I never attempted to draw an arm. Addison Witcher caught me and held me around the waist and arms and told them to come and shoot me---a damned rascal. I was shot several times while in that fix, and he held me until I fell. Numbers of pistols were fired at me then." To this dying declaration, Magistrate Mitchell added these words: "Ralph A. Clement requested me to tell his father that he wanted him to make the deed to his wife and child according to his will." Robert N. Powell stated in his deposition that Addison Witcher held Ralph Clement while Vincent Oliver Smith shot him. George Finney stated in his deposition that John Anthony Smith shot and stabbed James Clement. It was stated by several deponents that both James and William Clement were reclining on a bed in the counting room when the firing began. It was thought by a few that some of the early firing came from the bed. The pistols of both James and William Clement had been fired until empty, but Ralph Clement, it was testified had not drawn gun or dirk. The bodies of the three slain brothers were carried from Washington Dickinson's counting room, in a farm wagon, and buried in a single grave near the shaded driveway which led up to the old brick house which was their boyhood home. The trial of Captain Vincent Witcher and his accomplices was begun almost immediately in general justices' court commonly called magistrates' court. Benjamin F. Cooper and Richard Parker took the depositions of the following: Jacob C. Mackenheimer, Gresham Choice, James Kemp, John C. Hutcherson, James M. Hutcherson, Madison D. Carter, Cluffee M. Brooks, George W. Finney, R.N. Powell, John B. Law, James M. Givson, Silas W. Evans, William C. Poindexter, Gilly Ann Huffman, John C. Law, William H. Hutcherson and Alfred L.H. Muse. Names appearing in the 200 page printed volume of depositions are: Abram Hancock, Tom Keen, Samuel D. Berger, James Rice, Shack Law, Waller Wright, Silas Dudley, Samuel G. Martox, Snead Adams, D.W. Blunt, Henry C. Mease, Mastin Williams, and John Baker, the last named being referred to as "an Englishman." The defendants claimed self-defense as justification for their killings and the charges against them were dismissed. In June 1860, the depositions, which were being taken when the killings occurred, were published in book form. After many years of searching, 1 found a copy and have had the same before me in writing this story. Dr. G.W. Clement, Sr., states in his foreword "To the Public" that "There were five justices on the bench of the Examining Court. Three of whom were in favour of discharging the accused, and two for sending them on to further trial." The courts record of the ease shows the close of the case in the following words: "At a court continued and held for Franklin County at the Court House on the 23rd day of March 1860, for the examination of Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher charged with the felonies aforesaid by them committed in this, that they did on the 25th day of February 1860, in the Counting Boom of Dickinson's Store in said county willfully, deliberately and with premeditation murder and kill Ralph A. Clement, James R. Clement and William C. Clement.

"Present: Richard M. Taliaferro, Robert Bush, Noses C. Greer, Jonathan H. McNeil and Isaac Cannady, General Justices.

"The said Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher were again led to the bar in custody of the jailer of this court. And the court having examined divers witnesses as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as of prisoners at the bar, who were heard in their defense by Counsel, is of the opinion that there is not probable cause for charging the said prisoners with the offense aforesaid and doth order that they be acquitted and go thereof without day."

For a half century, the acquittal of these men was pointed to by Franklin County citizens as an illustration of how extreme may be the miscarriage of justice. The Masonic fraternity in which membership was held by both the killers and the killed, did not treat the matter so lightly. After the court had, on the 23rd of March, acquitted the five men of the killings committed less than a month before, Thomas S. Muse and John P, Lowell, members of the Masonic Lodge which bore the name of Vincent Witcher, chief actor in the killings, wrote of the "unfortunate death of Brothers R.A, and James R. Clement who cane to their death by the instrumentality of their brother in Masonry Vincent Witcher," and asked "that a committee of brethren be appointed whose duty it shall he to procure the evidence and make a report therefrom at our next regular communication." The reason given for "a thorough Masonic investigation," after the civil court had acquitted the killers, was stated in the following language: "The laws of a State are not the laws to try Brethren by who have offended against the Constitution and By laws of Masonry, that Civil law and Masonic law are as separate as Church and State." The Muse-Lowell document then asks, "Would the Civil law punish a Brother for violating the secrets and mysteries of Masonry or its Constitution?"

Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 was chartered December 15, 1852, and had 39 members in 1860. The report of this lodge to the Grand Lodge for the year 1860 shows the deaths of R.A. and James R. Clement. The membership of the lodge down to 1860 includes the name of Vincent Walker. The secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, James N. Hillman, in a letter to the author writes, "I find no reference to him (Vincent Witcher) subsequent to 1860 in the list of expulsions, suspensions or membership. Evidently, something happened to him, but it is not reported in the minutes from that lodge." There were no returns from Vincent Witcher Lodge, No. 87, to the Grand Lodge, according to the minutes of 1860 to 1866. These were war years, however, and that fact, rather than the fratricidal strife, may be the explanation of the interruption of the lodge's activity. Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 lost its charter in 1885 for mot having made a report in three years and in 1886 is marked extinct. The number it bore is now borne by Naomi Lodge in Norfolk, but the name of Vincent Witcher, who shed the blood of his brother Masons, has not been perpetuated by Masonry.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Danville, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Birth: Sep. 2, 1838
Pittsylvania County
Virginia, USA
Death: Aug. 27, 1899 Timmonsville Florence County South Carolina, USA

Wife of Samuel Southard Berger; Daughter of Albert and Mary Ann Witcher Smith; widow of James Reid Clement who was killed in the Witcher-Clement feud on February 26, 1860, Dickenson Store, Henry County, Virginia, by Victoria's grandfather Captain Vincent Witcher.

The Tragedy in Henry County Virginia

The usually quiet and law abiding people of the county of Henry have been intensley excited for the past three or four days in consequence of a terrible tragedy - or rather triple tragedy - that was enacted in their midst on Saturday last. The particulars reached us last evening through a source entirely reliable. the details, although not as full as we shall doubtless be enabled to give at an early day, are sufficient to cause a thrill of horror at their mere recital. It appears, according to the version given us, that some years since, a granddaughter of the venerable and talented Vincent Witcher, Esq., of Pittsylvania County, married a gentlemen from the adjoining county of Henry, whose name was Clemmens. His Christian name we have been unable to ascertain. The maiden name of Mr. Witcher's grandaughter was (Victoria C.) Smith. The parties lived happily together until about eighteen months since, when upon the most unfounded suspicions, as we have been informed, Mr. Clemmons desired a separation from his wife, and immediately instituted proceedings for divorce, at the same time impeaching her honor as the grounds for his course. (Comment: She had a baby girl in c. 1858). Last Saturday was set apart for the taking of depositions, and the parties met at a magisterial precinct in Henry county (Dickensons Store). Mr. Witcher appeared to defend the suit and protect the honor of his granddaughter. The taking of the depositions progressed, and after the plaintiff had finished with a witness, Mr. Witcher asked a question, which greatly exasperated the husband, Mr. (James Reid Clement) Clemmens. He immediately rose, drawing a pistol at the same time, and fired at Mr. Witcher. Mr. Witcher, it seems, also rose and drew a pistol from his pocket and as the ball of his antagonist grazed around the abdomen, he fired, striking Clemmens in the forehead and killing him instantly. A nephew of Mr. Witcher (Samuel Swanson), and a Mr. Smith (John Anthony Smith), brother of Mrs. Clemmens hearing the firing rushed into the room. A brother of Mr. Clemmens (Charles Johnson Clement), who had also been attracted by the pistol reports, fired at a nephew (Samuel Swanson) of Mr. Witcher, the ball taking effect and producing, it is feared, a fatal wound. Upon seeing his nephew shot, Mr. Vincent Witcher again fired, striking Clemmens No. 2, and killing him instantly. At this stage of the sanguinary affair, Mr. Smith, a brother of Mrs. Clemmens drew a Bowie knife, but had scarcely unsheathed the blade when he was fired upon by a second brother of Clemmens (Ralph Alexander Clement), the ball taking effect in the shoulder and producing a painful wound. Infuriated by his wound, Mr. Smith rushed upon his antagonist, and with one powerful thrust of the knife completely disemboweled Clemmens No. 3, the unfortunate man falling dead on the spot. Three of the parties dead, and the other three all wounded, the horrible tragedy here ended.

Vincent Witcher, Esq., the chief actor in this truly terrible affair, is widely known throughout Virginia. He served for many years in the lower House of Legislature, and subsequently represented his district in the State Senate with signal ability. He is a prominent member of the Whig Party, and his name has been repeatedly mentioned in connexion with the office of Governor of the Commonwealth. He succeeded Whitnall F. Tunstall, upon the death of that gentleman, as President of the Richmond and Danville Railroad. After two years service he resigned the presidency of the railroad, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession - that of a lawyer. Our informant states that throughout this painful suit, which Mr. Witcher believes to have been instituted against an innocent granddaughter, he has acted with great forebearance, and the part he has been compelled finally to act will be none a source of deeper regret than himself. Of course the whole matter will undergo a judicial investigation, until which we forebear further comment. The Lynchburg "Republican" of Wednesday says that Mr. Vincent Witcher and his grandson (John Anthony Smith) surrendered themselves to the authorities and were promptly acquitted, on the grounds of self-defense. -The Lorain Eagle March 15 1860

Vincent Witcher, Esq., Committed - Bail Refused - It is stated that the examination of Vincent Witcher, Esq., for the killing of the three brothers, James, Ralph and Johnson Clement, at Dickenson's store, Franklin County, on Saturday, the 25th of February, has resulted in his committal to jail for trial. Bail was asked, but refused. Mr. John Anthony Smith, a grandson, and Mr. (William)Addison Witcher, son of Mr. Vincent Witcher, who were likewise implicated, have been sent on for trial before an Examining Court, which is to be held on Monday next, the 26th instant. - The North Carolina Standard; Wednesday, March 21, 1860

Acquittal of Capt. Vincent Wicher, et al. March 28, 1860
Raleigh Standard 28 March 1860 March 28, 1860
ACQUITTAL OF CAPTAIN VINCENT WICHER AND OTHERS
LYNCHBURG, VA. -- March 25 -- CAPT. VINCENT WICHER, ADDISON WITCHER, J. A.
SMITH and SAM'L SWANSON, tried for killing the MESSRS. CLEMENTS in Franklin
County, Va., were acquitted on Friday evening last.

Burial:
Byrd Cemetery Timmonsville Florence County South Carolina, USA

THE WITCHER-CLEMENT SCANDAL

The year 1860 was eventful for the little world in which Franklin County citizens lived and moved. A single local occurrence supplied Franklinites with a matter for speculation and conversation far into the 20th century.

The occurrence was the killing of the three Clement brothers---James, William and Ralph---by Captain Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent Oliver Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher. Addison Witcher was the son of Vincent Witcher. John and Vincent Oliver Smith were his grandsons. Samuel Swanson was his son-in-law. The affray had its beginning in the marriage of James Clement and Victoria Smith, which was celebrated on March 13, 1858. The groom was one of the ten children of Dr. George W. Clement. Dr. Clement (b. 1786, m. 1811, d. 186?) was educated in Hampden-Sidney College and in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. His mother, Stella Smith, was the daughter of Major John Smith of Lewis Island. Their Franklin County home was called "Mountain View." Victoria Smith (b.1837) was the daughter of Albert G. Smith and a granddaughter of Captain Vincent Witcher. Both Clement and Smith families appeared to be pleased with the marriage, though it was brought out in the court proceedings following the killings, that the Smith family regarded the Clement family as of inferior social station. Dr. Clement was especially proud of the beauty, wit and vivacity of his daughter-in-law. Her magnetic personality gained her many admirers. It is said that two of her old sweethearts, William P. Gilbert and Samuel D. Berger, continued their attentions even after her marriage. Though these affairs were shown to be of an innocent nature, the extremely jealous disposition of her husband led him to charge her with unfaithfulness and to humiliate her constantly. Fearing physical violence, Victoria Smith Clement fled from her husband on the might of August 24, 1859, and found refuge in the home of Sherwood Y. Shelton who lived about a mile distant. She left behind her six months old baby (Lelia Maud, b. March 1, 1859) so great was her terror at the moment of flight. This incident was made the basis of a divorce suit. Within three weeks from her flight, the taking of depositions was begun at Dickinson's Store, the same to be read as evidence in the suit then pending between John A. Smith, next friend of Victoria Smith Clement, plaintiff, against James R. Clement, defendant. The taking of depositions continued through the fall and winter, until Saturday, February 25, 1860, when the killing of the Clement brothers ended the suit. The depositions of S.Y. Shelton, Charles Powell, Willis Woody, G.T. Berger, W.P. Gilbert, George Samson and Edney Shelton had been taken. Elizabeth W. Bennett had been called to make her statement. Captain Vincent Witcher objected to having her qualify and make part of her statement on Saturday "and then being left in the hands of the opposite party to be picked until Monday morning." Captain Witcher made the statement that Miss Bennett had been brought into the case by the Clements and was said to be under their control. Ralph Clement at this point said that "Whoever said that told a damned lie." Whereupon Captain Witcher replied "You had better make your remarks more direct," rose from his chair, put his hand in his bosom, drew therefrom a "five shooter," stepped toward Ralph Clement and began firing. Addison Witcher was conducting the examination for the plaintiff. Robert Mitchell was the justice of the peace before whom the depositions were being taken. His testimony in the trial of Captain Witcher, as recorded in the volume of depositions published by Dr. C.W. Clement, Sr., in June 1860, is not very impressive. He appears to have forgotten everything that transpired in his courtroom.

The bodies of the three brothers were not only riddled with bullets, but were horribly gashed with knives. William Clement was disemboweled. James Clement had his throat slit from ear to ear. Ralph Clement lived nearly three hours despite his frightful wounds, and made a dying declaration before Justice Mitchell and Gresham Choice which was written down by Mr. Choice. It read as follows: "I never attempted to draw an arm. Addison Witcher caught me and held me around the waist and arms and told them to come and shoot me---a damned rascal. I was shot several times while in that fix, and he held me until I fell. Numbers of pistols were fired at me then." To this dying declaration, Magistrate Mitchell added these words: "Ralph A. Clement requested me to tell his father that he wanted him to make the deed to his wife and child according to his will." Robert N. Powell stated in his deposition that Addison Witcher held Ralph Clement while Vincent Oliver Smith shot him. George Finney stated in his deposition that John Anthony Smith shot and stabbed James Clement. It was stated by several deponents that both James and William Clement were reclining on a bed in the counting room when the firing began. It was thought by a few that some of the early firing came from the bed. The pistols of both James and William Clement had been fired until empty, but Ralph Clement, it was testified had not drawn gun or dirk.

The bodies of the three slain brothers were carried from Washington Dickinson's counting room, in a farm wagon, and buried in a single grave near the shaded driveway which led up to the old brick house which was their boyhood home.

The trial of Captain Vincent Witcher and his accomplices was begun almost immediately in general justices' court commonly called magistrates' court. Benjamin F. Cooper and Richard Parker took the depositions of the following: Jacob C. Mackenheimer, Gresham Choice, James Kemp, John C. Hutcherson, James M. Hutcherson, Madison D. Carter, Cluffee M. Brooks, George W. Finney, R.N. Powell, John B. Law, James M. Givson, Silas W. Evans, William C. Poindexter, Gilly Ann Huffman, John C. Law, William H. Hutcherson and Alfred L.H. Muse. Names appearing in the 200 page printed volume of depositions are: Abram Hancock, Tom Keen, Samuel D. Berger, James Rice, Shack Law, Waller Wright, Silas Dudley, Samuel G. Martox, Snead Adams, D.W. Blunt, Henry C. Mease, Mastin Williams, and John Baker, the last named being referred to as "an Englishman."

The defendants claimed self-defense as justification for their killings and the charges against them were dismissed. In June 1860, the depositions, which were being taken when the killings occurred, were published in book form. After many years of searching, 1 found a copy and have had the same before me in writing this story. Dr. G.W. Clement, Sr., states in his foreword "To the Public" that "There were five justices on the bench of the Examining Court. Three of whom were in favour of discharging the accused, and two for sending them on to further trial." The courts record of the ease shows the close of the case in the following words: "At a court continued and held for Franklin County at the Court House on the 23rd day of March 1860, for the examination of Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher charged with the felonies aforesaid by them committed in this, that they did on the 25th day of February 1860, in the Counting Boom of Dickinson's Store in said county willfully, deliberately and with premeditation murder and kill Ralph A. Clement, James R. Clement and William C. Clement.

"Present: Richard M. Taliaferro, Robert Bush, Noses C. Greer, Jonathan H. McNeil and Isaac Cannady, General Justices.

"The said Vincent Witcher, John A. Smith, Vincent 0. Smith, Samuel Swanson and Addison Witcher were again led to the bar in custody of the jailer of this court. And the court having examined divers witnesses as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as of prisoners at the bar, who were heard in their defense by Counsel, is of the opinion that there is not probable cause for charging the said prisoners with the offense aforesaid and doth order that they be acquitted and go thereof without day."

For a half century, the acquittal of these men was pointed to by Franklin County citizens as an illustration of how extreme may be the miscarriage of justice. The Masonic fraternity in which membership was held by both the killers and the killed, did not treat the matter so lightly. After the court had, on the 23rd of March, acquitted the five men of the killings committed less than a month before, Thomas S. Muse and John P, Lowell, members of the Masonic Lodge which bore the name of Vincent Witcher, chief actor in the killings, wrote of the "unfortunate death of Brothers R.A, and James R. Clement who cane to their death by the instrumentality of their brother in Masonry Vincent Witcher," and asked "that a committee of brethren be appointed whose duty it shall he to procure the evidence and make a report therefrom at our next regular communication." The reason given for "a thorough Masonic investigation," after the civil court had acquitted the killers, was stated in the following language: "The laws of a State are not the laws to try Brethren by who have offended against the Constitution and By laws of Masonry, that Civil law and Masonic law are as separate as Church and State." The Muse-Lowell document then asks, "Would the Civil law punish a Brother for violating the secrets and mysteries of Masonry or its Constitution?"

Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 was chartered December 15, 1852, and had 39 members in 1860. The report of this lodge to the Grand Lodge for the year 1860 shows the deaths of R.A. and James R. Clement. The membership of the lodge down to 1860 includes the name of Vincent Walker. The secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, James N. Hillman, in a letter to the author writes, "I find no reference to him (Vincent Witcher) subsequent to 1860 in the list of expulsions, suspensions or membership. Evidently, something happened to him, but it is not reported in the minutes from that lodge." There were no returns from Vincent Witcher Lodge, No. 87, to the Grand Lodge, according to the minutes of 1860 to 1866. These were war years, however, and that fact, rather than the fratricidal strife, may be the explanation of the interruption of the lodge's activity. Vincent Witcher Lodge No. 87 lost its charter in 1885 for mot having made a report in three years and in 1886 is marked extinct. The number it bore is now borne by Naomi Lodge in Norfolk, but the name of Vincent Witcher, who shed the blood of his brother Masons, has not been perpetuated by Masonry.

Family/Spouse: Samuel Sutherland Berger. Samuel (son of Samuel Casper Berger and Hester Ann Roe) was born on 29 Oct 1845 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 21 Feb 1929. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Victoria married James Reid Clement on 13 May 1858 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. James (son of George Washington Clement and Stella Johnson Smith) was born on 27 Jan 1831 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA; died on 25 Feb 1860 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Banister, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Banister, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Banister, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Banister, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Banister, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Family/Spouse: Armistead Calvin Gilbert. Armistead (son of John Benjamin Gilbert, Capt and Lucy Witcher) was born in 1833 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1867 in , Callaway, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: MarriedRelation to Head: Wife

Lucy married James Anderson on 15 Feb 1875 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. James (son of Watt Otey Anderson and Nancy Jane Smith) was born on 18 Oct 1843 in , Franklin, Virginia, USA; died on 4 Apr 1908 in Tomahawk, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1870, Crawford, Lowndes, Mississippi, USA
• Residence: 1880, Crawford, Lowndes, Mississippi, USA
• Residence: 1900, , Oktibbeha, Mississippi, USA
• Residence: 1910, Choctaw Agency, Oktibbeha, Mississippi, USA

Judie married Thomas Peyton Edwards on 10 Apr 1873 in , Lowndes, Mississippi, USA. Thomas (son of Harden Perkins Edwards and Dollie Ann Graves) was born on 16 Oct 1848 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 8 May 1918 in , Oktibbeha, Mississippi, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Campbell, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, Museville, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Crawford, Lowndes, Mississippi, USA
• Residence: 1900, , Oktibbeha, Mississippi, USA
• Residence: 1910, Choctaw Agency, Oktibbeha, Mississippi, USA

Thomas married Judie Ann Edwards on 10 Apr 1873 in , Lowndes, Mississippi, USA. Judie (daughter of William Flem Edwards and Mary Catherine Wright) was born on 4 Mar 1852 in , Lowndes, Mississippi, USA; died on 25 Jan 1923 in , Oktibbeha, Mississippi, USA; was buried in Artesia, Lowndes, Mississippi, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1870, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1910, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1930, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Harden married Rowena Graves on 5 Nov 1876 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Rowena (daughter of Francis Graves and Elvira Ann Edwards) was born on 6 Sep 1855 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 7 Jul 1934 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Catherine married Josiah Henry Tosh on 28 Apr 1867 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Josiah (son of George Roger Tosh and Katherine Lucy Williams) was born on 15 Feb 1840 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 7 May 1917 in Toshes, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1910, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Gillie married Reuben Bennett on 26 Mar 1871 in , , Virginia, USA. Reuben (son of Jonathan Bennett and Mildred Bailey) was born on 3 Dec 1848 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Mar 1923 in Toshes, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Cordelia married John William V Elliott on 15 Aug 1877 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. John was born on 11 Sep 1854 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 29 Jun 1941 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Family/Spouse: Susan M Shelhorse. Susan (daughter of James Moody Shelhorse and Susan Catherine Crider) was born in 1863 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Lucy C Crider in 1888. Lucy was born in Apr 1871 in , , Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1870, Sioux Valley, Union, South Dakota, USA
• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA
• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Son

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA
• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Daughter

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA
• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Daughter

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA
• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Son

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA
• Residence: 1880, Virginia, Union, South Dakota, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Daughter

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1910, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1920, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

John married Nannie Bill Davis on 3 Nov 1887 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Nannie was born on 14 Jun 1867 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 7 May 1931. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Pigg River, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Married: 13 Jan 1881
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1910, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

James married Emma J Yeatts on 11 Jan 1881 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Emma (daughter of Stephen Yates and Mary Polly Terry) was born on 6 Feb 1862 in , , Virginia, USA; died on 16 May 1917 in , , Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

William married Alice Belle Haden on 11 Jan 1879 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Alice was born in Aug 1859 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Susan married Coleman Bennett Yeatts on 23 Nov 1876. Coleman (son of David Terry Yates and Elizabeth F Johnson) was born on 30 Jan 1853 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 19 Mar 1907 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Emma married Ruben Edward Moore on 17 Nov 1881 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Ruben (son of Calvin B Moore and Mary F Bondurant) was born on 13 Jan 1856 in Danville, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA; died on 3 Mar 1930 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in Moore-Edwards Farm, Rondo, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1910, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

John married Minnie Leslie Grubb on 13 Jan 1886 in Pelham, Caswell, North Carolina, USA. Minnie (daughter of Burwell Spurlock Grubb, (Major) and Sarah M "Sallie" Settle) was born on 2 Dec 1864 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 20 Oct 1936 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Son

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Daughter
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: SingleRelation to Head: Daughter
• Residence: 1910, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Daughter
• Residence: 1930, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Sister
• Residence: 1935, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Sister

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Daughter

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Son
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: MarriedRelation to Head: Head
• Residence: 1910, Staunton, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: MarriedRelation to Head of House: Head
• Residence: 1920, Randolph, Cumberland, Virginia, USA; Relation to Head: HeadResidence Marital Status: Married
• Residence: 1930, Randolph, Cumberland, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: MarriedRelation to Head of House: Head
• Residence: 1935, Randolph, Cumberland, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1 Apr 1940, Randolph, Cumberland, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: MarriedRelation to Head of House: Head

Samuel married Roxie Anna Reynolds in 1899. Roxie (daughter of William Barton Reynolds, Sr and Ruth Ann Oakes) was born on 22 Mar 1874 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 18 Dec 1944 in Farmville, Prince Edward, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Cumberland, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Edward Reynolds
• Residence: 1880, Callands, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Son
• Residence: 1900, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: SingleRelation to Head: Son
• Residence: 1910, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; Marital Status: SingleRelation to Head of House: Son
• Residence: 1930, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1935, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1940, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1950, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

William married Louisa A Motley on 18 Jun 1941 in Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Louisa (daughter of John Rice Miller Motley and Alice Louise Echols) was born on 16 Jan 1881 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 9 Jun 1953 in Danville, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]